Our Travel Journal: Thailand

Thailand is the first country in Asia that we visited together and it’s natural beauty definitely sets the travel destination bar high. Although famous for tropical beaches, exotic scenery, ancient ruins, intricate temples and delicious cuisine, Thailand offers a traveler so much more. The two big highlights of our trip included an evening dinner with the MOST beautiful view we have ever seen, overlooking the city of Bangkok, and swimming in the stunning turquoise blue and sea green waters of Phi Phi Island off Phuket. Thailand is now one of our new favorite bikini destinations, but surprisingly, the trip changed our perspective on life in a very simple way.

We were lucky enough to be able to visit three different areas in Thailand. A big thank you to The Luxe Nomad for putting together yet another amazing trip that we will never forget!

Our trip began in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. We stayed in Bangkok for three nights, which gave us a lot of time to explore the metropolitan city. Nothing like we had expected, Bangkok is a city booming with nightlife, filled with sky scrapers and buzzing with action. Transportation in Bangkok is either by car or boat. The Chao Praya River flows throughout the city and boat taxis are a common form of transportation among both locals and tourists.

Thailand is a third world country and we witnessed the immense amount of poverty just minutes outside the city while traveling by boat along the rivers. Seeing this first hand gave us an overwhelming amount of appreciation and gratitude for all we have, even the most simple things that we often take for granted. Although the poverty in Bangkok was bad, the spirits of the locals were high and happy. It was interesting for us to see both sides of the spectrum in one small city. This experience changed us by broadening our awareness of how others struggle, but also how they enjoy life with so little.

Our next stop was the beautiful island of Koh Samui. Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, after Phuket, and is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and abundant white sand beaches. We stayed in Koh Samui for four nights and each day was filled with something new and exciting. The villa we stayed at in Koh Samui was one of the most lavish we have ever enjoyed as it had its own private pool, kitchen, personal butler, gym and MOVIE THEATER!

Phuket was our final destination on our Thailand itinerary. After our experience in Koh Samui we really did not think it could get better, and then we arrived in Phuket. Phuket is one of the main attractions in Thailand because of it’s immense beauty and breath-taking scenery. If you travel to Phuket you MUST make it a point to take a boat to Phi Phi island for the day. This is where you will find the clearest and most alluring colored water in the world. We didn’t know something like this existed and it was stunning. After just a short boat ride, you arrive at a little island surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatically steep cliffs. In Phuket, we also visited the sacred “Big Buddha,” which was only a 30 minute drive from our villa.

Sandals/flats you can wear to dinner and also during the day.

Walking shoes

Flip flops

2-3 Beach cover ups/dresses

Bikinis, duh

3 dressy dinner outfits

Shorts/T-shirts for activities

This is pretty much ALL you need and you will probably shop there too! The rest of the time wear a robe. (#RobeLife)

Bangkok– Transportation to and from the airport can be arranged prior to arrival or departure or you can choose to get a taxi when arriving. It took us about 20 minutes to arrive to our hotel from the airport by a resort shuttle. Boat taxis are a fun and easy was to get around the city! One night for dinner we chose to take one from our resort, the Siam to the Mandarin Oriental hotel to meet some friends and that took about 35 minutes. Plan ahead and make sure to always ask the staff at your resort which form of transportation they recommend.

Koh Samui & Phuket– Arrange transportation to and from the airport with the resort or villa you are staying at. Your resort/villa should also be able to arrange transportation for you to and from dinner destinations and any activities you wish to do. In Koh Samui it was only a 10-15 minute drive to the markets and most restaurants for dinner. The drive to our resort in Phuket was definitely the longest as it took about an hour to get to the resort. Make sure you check distances from your resort to the airport before your trip to plan accordingly!

Breeze– Asian cuisine. Best dinner ever view we’ve EVER seen. The menu is pricy, but worth the experience! Stop by for a drink to see the stunning view or stay for a full dinner. We tried the ‘chef’s tasting’ menu and it was phenomenal. Make sure you wear appropriate dinner shoes, no flip flops! Devin was forced to rent a pair of shoes from a local woman on the street because they wouldn’t let her in the restaurant wearing flip flops! LOL

Price range: Very high

Zuma– Japanese cuisine. Located at the St. Regis hotel in the heart of Bangkok! A delicious favorite of ours is the watercress salad and the spicy beef tenderloin! Yum!

Price range: High

Koh Samui–

The Boudoir- French cuisine. Awarded with a Certificate of Excellence! Quaint and romantic – this delicious french restaurant is one of the best in Koh Samui.

Price range: Medium

Tree Tops, Anatara Lawana– Thai cuisine. A dining experience like nothing you’ve ever had before–this restaurant is quite literally in the tree tops! It is known for the best fresh and local ingredients.

Prince range: Medium.

Ocean 11– Thai cuisine. This is an ideal spot for dinner! Famous for it’s yummy seafood dishes and stunning views. Located in the Bangkok area within Bo Phut. Ocean 11 has really delicious food and an impressive wine menu!

Price range: Medium-High.

Make sure to take a stroll down the Walking Street Markets in Fisherman Village for some real authentic local Thai food!

Price range: Low

Phuket–

Baba IKI at Sri Panwa– Japanese cuisine. We ate here a couple times throughout our stay in Phuket because it is sooo delicious and was located at the resort we were staying in, the Sri Panwa! Try the coconut curry mixed with tempura fried vegetables; it’s to die for! Booking a reservation in advance is recommended.

Price range: Medium

The Corner Restaurant– The Corner Restaurant serves an interesting but delicious fusion of Thai and German food! They have a fantastic venue with a welcoming and kind staff. We will definitely be visiting it again on our next trip to Phuket.

Price range: Medium

-Take a cruise in a traditional Thai boat along the Chao Praya River to see the city by water!

-Visit the Floating Markets. An amazing sight to see!

-Walking Market at Fisherman’s village for shopping!

-Wish lanterns. Wander down the beach and you will most likely find locals selling wish lanterns for a small cost. Light the lantern, make a wish and let go! This is a magical and special experience.

-Visit the Wat Chalong which is a stunning Buddhist temple in Phuket. Many locals come here to pray and Westerners come to learn more about Buddhism.

-Visit the Big Buddha. This is one of the coolest sights to see and you can walk right up to the GIANT Buddha! It’s magnitude is incredible and it’s especially serene.

-Take a boat to Phi Phi island! We HIGHLY recommend doing this, it was one of the highlights of our trip.

-Visit the monkey beach on the way to Phi Phi island!

-Riding elephants in Thailand is an extremely popular activity. Read why we chose NOT to ride the elephants during our time in Thailand HERE.

Bangkok:

Gorgeous luxury private villas within a resort, including private pool and butler service. With giant bathtubs, comfortable beds and cool architecture, the rooms are only a small part about what makes this resort so cool!  The Siam Hotel also has a gym which has a Thai boxing rink inside it, outdoor pool, and is located on the river! We would suggest staying for 2-3 nights. Service is five star!(Approx $450 per night)

Images of The Siam Hotel

Koh Samui:

Lanna Samui is great for couples and families who are looking for a somewhat lengthy stay in Koh Samui. Each of the 77 suites Lanna Samui has to offer is equip with a full kitchenette, a flat screen TV and cozy Egyptian cotton bedding! Only about a 5 minute drive to Fisherman’s Village! Affordable and in a great location!

(Approx $72 per night)

The stunning Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa is located on Bophut beach making this resort perfect for beach lovers! We especially recommend Anantara Bophut if you are looking for an intimate getaway with a loved one. Designed with a contemporary Thai style, the resort is vibrant with warm earth tones and filled with natural night. Loaded up with all the amenities you can think of, the spa, luxury pool, gym, tennis court and kids club are only a few of the great things this resort has to offer.

(Approx $140 per night)

The Samujana Villas literally took our breath away. Located on a hillside above a beautiful beach (that you can walk to), this resort has a million dollar bi-coastal view! The villas were designed with a combination of a contemporary and Thai influence. The villa we were lucky enough to stay in had 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms with a gym, large infinity pool, full kitchen, office and private cinema. Yeah, it was basically a house! The staff at Samujana was more than accommodating as each villa has a personal butler and chef (if you wish) to assist all your needs. Samujana Villas are one of the most incredible places we have ever stayed.

(Approx $800 per night)

Images of the Samujana Villas

Set on a tranquil bay on Phuket’s stunning western coast, Anantara Phuket Layan opens out onto a private stretch of the beautiful Layan Beach, where soft white sands lapped by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea are just steps away. Featuring a luxury collection of 30 rooms and suites, as well as 47 pool villas in seven uniquely impressive styles, guests are truly spoilt for choice. An array of amenities are available including private pools, spa, gym, wifi, concierge service, transportation, water sports, private beach, restaurants and a kids club!

(Approx $157 per night)

Banyan Tree Phuket garnered 2nd Place at the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler 20th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, also taking 8th Place for Top 100 Resorts of the World. Less than a half hour’s drive from the airport and located on the island’s northwest, the resort is a glorious spread of elegant Thai architecture sitting on an 8m-long stretch of beach. Perfect for newlyweds looking for a great honeymoon hideaway!

(Approx $283 per night)

Located in one of Phukets finest spots, Sri Panwa is a luxurious resort of 52 villas all with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, some with 360 degree views! Perched high on a cliff in the Southeastern tip of Phuket, the Sri Panwa resort had the most stunning view of all the villas we’ve been to. The bedroom is located in the center of the villa and surrounded by the villa’s private infinity pool, on the edge of the cliff, so it actually feels like you’re sleeping in the clouds . . . a truly unforgettable experience. Each private villa has a kitchen, pool, jacuzzi, and the resort has a gym, plus an array of delicious restaurants!

(Approx $900-$1000 per night)

-Make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months or you will be sent back to your country at customs and will not be allowed into Thailand (happens a lot!).

-Exchange money at the airport, you will need cash for taxis, markets and in some shops.

-Book your airport pick up ahead of time if your hotel does not include this service.

Knowing the basics is always a must when traveling as it will make your experience communicating with the local people much easier! Here are some words to remember:

Hello- Sawatedee (sà-wàt-dee)

How are you?- Sabai dee ru (sà-baai dee rĕu?)

Yes- Chai

No- Mai Chai

I can not speak Thai- pood Thai mai dai (chăn pôot tai mâi bpen)

How much?- nee Tao Rai? (raa-kaa tâo rài?)

Where is the toilet- hong naam yoo hai (hông náam yòo năi)

Airport- Sanaam bin

Sure enough we decided to visit Thailand during the rainy season but it was still as hot as ever! Pack for a humid and tropical weather. Expect occasional rain showers.

Thailand is a special and magical place that we know you will LOVE to visit. It’s beauty is unforgettable, it’s culture rich and the people we met throughout our journey were kind and helpful. We know our guide will help you experience Thailand as best as you can! We hope you have an amazing trip and feel free to ask us any other questions you have about Thailand or any of the other places we’ve traveled! X